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# Allergies Questions and Answers: A Comprehensive Guide
Author: Dr. Evelyn Reed, MD, PhD. Board-certified Allergist and Immunologist with 20 years of experience at the Mayo Clinic and author of "Understanding Allergies: A Practical Guide."
Publisher: Healthline Media, a leading provider of credible health information.
Editor: Sarah Miller, RN, BSN, Certified Medical Editor with 15 years experience in peer-reviewed medical publications.
Introduction:
This comprehensive guide addresses common allergies questions and answers, providing a thorough understanding of allergic reactions, their causes, diagnosis, and management. Navigating the world of allergies can be daunting, filled with uncertainty and concern. This resource aims to demystify the subject, empowering readers to take control of their allergy management and improve their quality of life. We delve into various types of allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies, drug allergies, and more, offering clear and concise allergies questions and answers to help you better understand your condition.
Types of Allergies and Common Allergies Questions and Answers
Allergies are hypersensitivity reactions triggered by the immune system's response to normally harmless substances called allergens. These allergens can range from pollen and pet dander (environmental allergies) to peanuts, milk, and shellfish (food allergies), and even certain medications (drug allergies). Understanding the different types is crucial in seeking appropriate allergies questions and answers.
1. Food Allergies: Food allergies are among the most common, causing potentially life-threatening reactions in some individuals. Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Allergies questions and answers concerning food allergies often revolve around symptom identification, avoidance strategies, and emergency preparedness (carrying an epinephrine auto-injector).
2. Environmental Allergies (also known as respiratory allergies): These allergies are triggered by inhalants such as pollen (hay fever), dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander. Symptoms often involve sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. Allergies questions and answers in this area focus on allergen avoidance, medication management (antihistamines, nasal sprays), and immunotherapy (allergy shots).
3. Drug Allergies: Reactions to medications can range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis. Allergies questions and answers regarding drug allergies emphasize the importance of informing healthcare providers about any known allergies and carefully monitoring for reactions after starting a new medication.
4. Insect Allergies: Stings from insects like bees, wasps, and hornets can cause serious allergic reactions, potentially leading to anaphylaxis. Allergies questions and answers about insect allergies often cover prevention strategies (avoiding insect attractants), emergency treatment (epinephrine), and immunotherapy (allergy shots).
5. Contact Dermatitis: This type of allergy involves skin contact with allergens such as nickel (in jewelry), poison ivy, or certain chemicals. Allergies questions and answers related to contact dermatitis address symptom management (topical creams), avoidance strategies, and patch testing for diagnosis.
Diagnosing Allergies: Addressing Key Allergies Questions and Answers
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective allergy management. Common diagnostic methods include:
Skin prick tests: A small amount of allergen is applied to the skin, and a reaction is observed.
Blood tests: Measures the levels of specific IgE antibodies in the blood, indicating an allergic response.
Elimination diets: Used for food allergies, involving removing suspected allergens from the diet and observing the effect on symptoms.
Challenge tests: Involves controlled exposure to the suspected allergen under medical supervision to confirm the diagnosis.
Addressing allergies questions and answers concerning diagnosis involves understanding the benefits and limitations of each test, ensuring the chosen method suits the individual's needs and situation.
Managing Allergies: More Allergies Questions and Answers
Allergy management aims to reduce symptoms and prevent severe reactions. Strategies include:
Allergen avoidance: This involves minimizing exposure to known allergens.
Medication: Various medications are available, including antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and leukotriene modifiers.
Immunotherapy (allergy shots): This involves gradually exposing the body to increasing doses of allergen to desensitize the immune system.
Emergency treatment: Individuals at risk of severe reactions (anaphylaxis) should carry an epinephrine auto-injector and know how to use it.
Addressing allergies questions and answers related to treatment involves weighing the benefits and risks of each approach, considering patient preferences, and adjusting the strategy based on symptom control.
Anaphylaxis: Understanding a Severe Allergic Reaction and Answering Allergies Questions and Answers
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening, systemic allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat. Allergies questions and answers concerning anaphylaxis often center on recognizing the symptoms, administering epinephrine promptly, and seeking immediate medical care. Early intervention is crucial in preventing fatal outcomes.
Living with Allergies: Practical Tips and Allergies Questions and Answers
Managing allergies is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and proactive management. This section will provide additional allergies questions and answers focusing on practical aspects of living with allergies:
Reading food labels carefully: Essential for avoiding allergens in food products.
Keeping an allergy diary: Helps track triggers and reactions.
Informing others about your allergies: Crucial for safety in social settings and travel.
Seeking support from allergy support groups: Provides a community of understanding and practical advice.
Conclusion
Understanding allergies and their management requires a multifaceted approach. This guide, addressing numerous allergies questions and answers, provides a comprehensive overview of allergy types, diagnosis, management, and practical tips for living with allergies. Remember, consulting with a board-certified allergist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. Early intervention and a proactive approach can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with allergies.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance? An allergy involves an immune system response, causing symptoms like hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. An intolerance, on the other hand, doesn't involve the immune system but causes digestive discomfort.
2. Can allergies develop later in life? Yes, allergies can develop at any age.
3. Are allergies hereditary? There's a genetic component to allergies, but not everyone with a family history of allergies will develop them.
4. Can I outgrow my allergies? Some allergies, especially food allergies in children, can be outgrown, but others may persist throughout life.
5. What is the best way to treat allergy symptoms? The optimal treatment depends on the type and severity of the allergy and may involve allergen avoidance, medication, or immunotherapy.
6. How can I prevent allergies? While you can't prevent allergies completely, minimizing exposure to known allergens can help reduce symptoms.
7. What are the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction? Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rapid pulse, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
8. What should I do if I think I'm having a severe allergic reaction? Call emergency services immediately and administer epinephrine if you have an auto-injector.
9. Where can I find reliable information on allergies? Consult your doctor, allergist, or reputable sources like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
Related Articles:
1. Understanding Food Allergies in Children: A detailed guide to diagnosing and managing food allergies in children.
2. Hay Fever: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment: An in-depth look at seasonal allergies and their management.
3. Anaphylaxis: Recognizing and Treating a Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction: Explains the symptoms and emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.
4. Allergy Testing: A Comprehensive Guide: Details different allergy testing methods and their uses.
5. Living with Multiple Allergies: Strategies for Effective Management: Provides advice for managing more than one allergy.
6. Allergy Medications: A Review of Available Options: Explores various medication options for allergy symptom relief.
7. Immunotherapy for Allergies: Benefits, Risks, and Procedure: A thorough guide on allergy shots and their effectiveness.
8. Contact Dermatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment: Explores various forms of contact dermatitis and appropriate management.
9. Environmental Allergens in the Home: Identification and Control: Practical advice on identifying and controlling common household allergens.
| allergies questions and answers: Allergies Doris J. Rapp, Alfred William Frankland, 1976 |
| allergies questions and answers: Allergies , 1984 |
| allergies questions and answers: 100 Questions & Answers About Allergies Jonathan Corren, 2010-05-05 Empower Yourself! If you are among the 58 percent of Americans who suffer from allergies, or have a friend or relative who does, this book offers help. 100 Questions & Answers About Allergies gives you authoritative, practical answers to the most common questions asked by patients and family members about these common illnesses. This easy-to-read book is a comprehensive guide to understanding symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, over-the-counter therapy, sources of support, and much more. Including actual patient commentary, this text is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil caused by allergies. |
| allergies questions and answers: 100 Questions & Answers About Allergies Jonathan Corren, 2010-10-22 If you are among the 58% of Americans who suffer from allergies, or have a friend or relative who does, this book offers all of the information you need to manage and cope with this condition. 100 Questions and amp; Answers About Allergies gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, coping strategies-for both patient and family-sources of support, and much more. |
| allergies questions and answers: Finding a Path to Safety in Food Allergy National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Medicine Division, Food and Nutrition Board, Committee on Food Allergies: Global Burden, Causes, Treatment, Prevention, and Public Policy, 2017-05-27 Over the past 20 years, public concerns have grown in response to the apparent rising prevalence of food allergy and related atopic conditions, such as eczema. Although evidence on the true prevalence of food allergy is complicated by insufficient or inconsistent data and studies with variable methodologies, many health care experts who care for patients agree that a real increase in food allergy has occurred and that it is unlikely to be due simply to an increase in awareness and better tools for diagnosis. Many stakeholders are concerned about these increases, including the general public, policy makers, regulatory agencies, the food industry, scientists, clinicians, and especially families of children and young people suffering from food allergy. At the present time, however, despite a mounting body of data on the prevalence, health consequences, and associated costs of food allergy, this chronic disease has not garnered the level of societal attention that it warrants. Moreover, for patients and families at risk, recommendations and guidelines have not been clear about preventing exposure or the onset of reactions or for managing this disease. Finding a Path to Safety in Food Allergy examines critical issues related to food allergy, including the prevalence and severity of food allergy and its impact on affected individuals, families, and communities; and current understanding of food allergy as a disease, and in diagnostics, treatments, prevention, and public policy. This report seeks to: clarify the nature of the disease, its causes, and its current management; highlight gaps in knowledge; encourage the implementation of management tools at many levels and among many stakeholders; and delineate a roadmap to safety for those who have, or are at risk of developing, food allergy, as well as for others in society who are responsible for public health. |
| allergies questions and answers: Allergies Rumi Michael Leigh, 2015 Découvrez tout ce que vous devez savoir sur les allergies dans ce guide pratique et informatif. Rédigé sous forme de questions et réponses, ce livre est un outil essentiel pour quiconque souhaite approfondir ses connaissances sur les allergies, leurs causes, leurs symptômes et les traitements disponibles. Ce livre vous offre : Une compréhension claire des allergies : Explorez les bases des allergies, y compris les différentes hypersensibilités, les causes génétiques, et comment le système immunitaire réagit aux allergènes. Des réponses à vos questions courantes : Apprenez ce qu’est un allergologue, ce qu’est l’immunothérapie, comment traiter un choc anaphylactique, et bien plus encore. Des informations sur les traitements : Découvrez les traitements de base des allergies, y compris l'utilisation des antihistaminiques, des corticostéroïdes et de l'Epipen. Des explications sur les réactions allergiques graves : Comprenez les risques liés aux réactions anaphylactiques, comment les reconnaître, et comment les gérer efficacement. Un guide pratique et facile à suivre : Ce livre est organisé de manière à ce que vous puissiez rapidement trouver les informations dont vous avez besoin. Pourquoi acheter ce livre ? Contenu clair et précis : Idéal pour les étudiants, les professionnels de santé, ou toute personne souhaitant en savoir plus sur les allergies. Apprentissage accessible : Présenté sous forme de questions et réponses pour faciliter la compréhension. Informations essentielles : Couvre tout, des bases aux aspects plus complexes des allergies. Ne manquez pas cette opportunité d'améliorer vos connaissances sur les allergies et leur impact sur la vie quotidienne. Téléchargez votre copie dès maintenant et commencez à apprendre ! |
| allergies questions and answers: Indoor Allergens National Research Council, Institute of Medicine, Committee on the Health Effects of Indoor Allergens, 1993-02-01 More than 50 million Americans, one out of five, suffer from hay fever, asthma, and other allergic diseases. Many of these conditions are caused by exposure to allergens in indoor environments such as the house, work, and schoolâ€where we spend as much as 98 percent of our time. Developed by medical, public health, and engineering professionals working together, this unique volume summarizes what is known about indoor allergens, how they affect human health, the magnitude of their effect on various populations, and how they can be controlled. The book addresses controversies, recommends research directions, and suggests how to assist and educate allergy patients, as well as professionals. Indoor Allergens presents a wealth of information about common indoor allergens and their varying effects, from significant hay fever to life-threatening asthma. The volume discusses sources of allergens, from fungi and dust mites to allergenic chemicals, plants, and animals, and examines practical measures for their control. Indoor Allergens discusses how the human airway and immune system respond to inhaled allergens and assesses patient testing methods, covering the importance of the patient's medical history and outlining procedures and approaches to interpretation for skin tests, in vitro diagnostic tests, and tests of patients' pulmonary function. This comprehensive and practical volume will be important to allergists and other health care providers; public health professionals; specialists in building design, construction, and maintenance; faculty and students in public health; and interested allergy patients. |
| allergies questions and answers: Allergies Jennifer Hay, 1997 These guides from People's Medical Society address the most common medical concerns in an accessible question-and-answer format. In a departure from conventional references, these books present both traditional and alternative methods of treatment, and offer pro and con points of view for each. |
| allergies questions and answers: Questions and Answers about Allergies and Your Child Doris J. Rapp, 1972 |
| allergies questions and answers: Understanding and Managing Your Child's Food Allergies Scott H. Sicherer, 2006-11-17 For children with food allergies, eating—one of the basic functions of life—can be a nightmare. Children who suffer or become dangerously ill after eating peanuts, seafood, milk, eggs, wheat, or a host of other foods require constant vigilance from caring, concerned parents, teachers, and friends. In this empathetic and comprehensive guide, Dr. Scott H. Sicherer, a specialist in pediatric food allergies, gives parents the information they need to manage their children’s health and quality of life. He describes why children develop food allergy, the symptoms of food allergy (affecting the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and the respiratory system), and the role of food allergy in behavioral problems and developmental disabilities. Parents will learn how to recognize emergency situations, how to get the most out of a visit with an allergist, what allergy test results mean, and how to protect their children—at home, at school, at summer camp, and in restaurants. Informative, compassionate, and practical, this guide will be indispensable for parents, physicians, school nurses, teachers, and everyone else who cares for children with food allergies. |
| allergies questions and answers: Zinc Signaling Toshiyuki Fukada, Taiho Kambe, 2019-12-13 This book, now in an extensively revised second edition, describes the crucial role of zinc signaling in biological processes on a molecular and physiological basis. Global leaders in the field review the latest knowledge, including the very significant advances in understanding that have been achieved since publication of the first edition. Detailed information is provided on all the essentials of zinc signaling, covering molecular aspects and the roles of zinc transporters, the zinc sensing receptor, and metallothioneins. Detection techniques for zinc signals, involving genetically encoded and chemical probes, are also described. The critical contributions of the zinc signal in maintaining health and the adverse consequences of any imbalance in the signal are then thoroughly addressed. Here, readers will find up-to-date information on the significance of the zinc signal in a wide range of conditions, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, skin disease, osteoarthritis, and cancer. The book will be of value for researchers, clinicians, and advanced students. |
| allergies questions and answers: Middleton's Allergy , 2009 This best-selling resource has a worldwide reputation as the leader in its field. Focusing on human immunology and biology, while also reporting on scientific experimentation and advancement, it provides comprehensive coverage of state-of-the-art basic science as well as authoritative guidance on the practical aspects of day-to-day diagnosis and management. This new edition includes 700 full-color illustrations and a new, more accessible format to make finding information a snap for the busy practitioner. And this Expert Consult Edition offers online access to the complete contents of the 2-volume set, fully searchable, and much more. Includes a glossary of allergy and immunology for quick and easy reference. Contains keypoints and clinical pearls highlighted to find important information quickly. links to useful online resources both for you and for your patients. Offers contributions from hundreds of international authorities for world-class expertise in overcoming any clinical challenge. |
| allergies questions and answers: Questions and Answers about Allergies and Your Child D.J. Rapp, 1974 |
| allergies questions and answers: Allergies Rumi Michael Leigh, 2019-09-15 This book will help you understand, revise and have a good general knowledge and keywords of Allergies and how it affects the lives of people who suffer from allergic reactions. |
| allergies questions and answers: The Peanut Allergy Answer Book Michael Young, 2000-08-01 Considered by experts to be the most deadly food allergy, peanut allergies are becoming more and more common. Now an eminent pediatric allergist explains how the allergy works, how to prevent reactions, and how to handle the difficulty of teaching a small child to be wary of foods without scaring him. |
| allergies questions and answers: Allergies: Questions You Have ... Answers You Need , |
| allergies questions and answers: Allergy Helen Smith, Anthony J. Frew, Alan Frew, 2003 Written in the popular question and answer format of the Your Questions Answered series, this resource provides all of the information primary care providers need to understand allergies and to deliver effective care. The information is up to date, evidence-based, and appropriate for sharing with patients and families who wish to learn more about the nature of the disease and the various management options. Answers the questions that are frequently asked by patients. Discusses both commonplace and rarer issues. Covers all of the drug treatments available today, including their benefits and side effects. Explores treatments currently under development. Includes useful information on web sites and associations. |
| allergies questions and answers: Allergies Disease in Disguise Carolee Bateson-Koch, 2003 Describes how to recover from allergic diseases using natural therapies and nutrition. |
| allergies questions and answers: The End of Food Allergy Kari Nadeau MD, PhD, Sloan Barnett, 2020-09-29 A life-changing, research-based program that will end food allergies in children and adults forever. The problem of food allergy is exploding around us. But this book offers the first glimpse of hope with a powerful message: You can work with your family and your doctor to eliminate your food allergy forever. The trailblazing research of Dr. Kari Nadeau at Stanford University reveals that food allergy is not a life sentence, because the immune system can be retrained. Food allergies--from mild hives to life-threatening airway constriction--can be disrupted, slowed, and stopped. The key is a strategy called immunotherapy (IT)--the controlled, gradual reintroduction of an allergen into the body. With innovations that include state-of-the-art therapies targeting specific components of the immune system, Dr. Nadeau and her team have increased the speed and effectiveness of this treatment to a matter of months. New York Times bestselling author Sloan Barnett, the mother of two children with food allergies, provides a lay perspective that helps make Dr. Nadeau's research accessible for everyone. Together, they walk readers through every aspect of food allergy, including how to find the right treatment and how to manage the ongoing fear of allergens that haunts so many sufferers, to give us a clear, supportive plan to combat a major national and global health issue. |
| allergies questions and answers: Food Without Fear Ruchi Gupta, 2021-08-24 A world-renowned researcher and physician offers a groundbreaking approach to identifying an entire spectrum of food-related health conditions, from allergies to sensitivities, and what we can do about them. A breathtaking one in five people in the U.S. has a health condition related to food—from disruptive sensitivities and intolerances to serious allergic reactions that can send them to the ER. These food-related problems are on a historic rise across all ages. And the spectrum of these ailments is wide and deep, with many tricky “masqueraders” in the mix to create a lot of confusion, potential misdiagnoses, and faulty or poor treatment—and immeasurable suffering for millions of people. The good news: Dr. Ruchi Gupta, on the front lines of this silent epidemic, now shares revolutionary research from her lab and clinical practice. In Food Without Fear, Dr. Gupta illuminates this misunderstood spectrum and offers a new approach to managing adverse reactions to food with a practical plan to end the misery and enjoy eating with ease. This panoramic view empowers you to know what questions to ask your doctor to get the correct diagnosis. From debunking common myths (an allergy and an intolerance aren’t the same thing—but both can have life-threatening consequences) to identifying masqueraders, to understanding triggers (including environmental factors), as well as the microbiome’s role in adverse food reactions, these pages hold the answers. Using a framework of Identify and Empower, Treat, Manage and Prevent, and Thrive, Food Without Fear offers hope, help—and food freedom—to the millions of people who so need it. Developed by world-renowned researcher Dr. Ruchi Gupta, this revolutionary spectrum approach empowers and informs so you can take charge of your health. In Food Without Fear, you’ll learn: The differences between an allergy and an intolerance or sensitivity What “masqueraders” are and how to identify them Which health conditions are mistaken for food allergies—or can be triggered by them The top offenders that can spark an allergy attack or intolerance The surprising allergies on the rise (think red meat and exercise) The potential connections between genetics, environmental exposures, and risk for developing food-related conditions How to S.T.O.P. the misery and chart your healthy path forward Offering assessments, information on the most up-to-date treatments, and practical tips for keeping yourself safe, Food Without Fear welcomes you back to the table. |
| allergies questions and answers: The Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies Mayo Clinic, 2010-10-26 Many common health problems can be treated with simple remedies you can do at home. Even if the steps you take don't cure the problem, they can relieve symptoms and allow you to go about your daily life, or at least help you until you're able to see a doctor. Some remedies, such as changing your diet to deal with heartburn or adapting your home environment to cope with chronic pain, may seem like common sense. You may have questions about when to apply heat or cold to injuries, what helps relieve the itch of an insect bite, or whether certain herbs, vitamins or minerals are really effective against the common cold or insomnia. You'll find these answers and more in Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies. In situations involving your health or the health of your family, the same questions typically arise: What actions can I take that are immediate, safe and effective? When should I contact my doctor? What symptoms signal an emergency? Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies clearly defines these questions with regard to your health concerns and guides you to choose the appropriate and most effective response. |
| allergies questions and answers: The Fundamentals of Hypersensitivities and Allergies Manzoor Ahmad Mir, 2020-03-18 The book The Fundamentals of Hypersensitivity and Allergy comprises of seven chapters and describes the historical perspective, causes and classification of hypersensitivities, which are important in understanding the current issues regarding conditions in which the immune system which normally serves a protective role has a harmful effect. This book describes the original concept of hypersensitivity and allergy and how sensitive individuals respond to different allergens, drugs and other agents, where the body reacts with an exaggerated immune response that ultimately results in tissue damage. The classification of hypersensitive reactions given by Gell and Coombs with the modifications made to the previous classification are described in detail. Different types of hypersensitivities, their process, the contribution of various cells and molecules to normal immune responses and to hypersensitive reactions are discussed separately. The examples for different types of immune responses are described thoroughly to get a proper understanding of the topic. The clinical manifestations of different types of hypersensitivities and their means of prevention, evaluation and management are also depicted in separate chapters with clear insight. Lastly, the airborne allergens responsible for the allergy, different types of aeroallergens, their effects and allergies caused by them are described. The effect of climate change on aeroallergen production, various diagnostic tests for detection of aero-allergy with their prevention and control are discussed in detail separately. The book contains a reasonable number of diagrams, flowcharts and tables. Besides this, various interesting and self-explanatory illustrations are incorporated to make the book useful to the students for whom it is written. The question bank, which includes long answer type, short answer type and multiple choice questions with their answers at the very end of each chapter, is developed to get a full grasp of the topic. |
| allergies questions and answers: 100 Questions and Answers about Your Child's Asthma Claudia S. Plottel, B. Robert Feldman, 2007-06 The authors provide authoritative, practical answers to your questions about childhood asthma, treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, coping strategies for both patient and caregiver, and sources of support. |
| allergies questions and answers: The Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers Anthony Porto, M.D., Dina DiMaggio, M.D., 2016-04-05 A comprehensive manual for feeding babies and toddlers during the crucial first years of life, written by a team of medical experts who are also parents. All Your Questions about Feeding, Answered. The choices of when, how, and what to feed your baby can be overwhelming. With The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, you have the expertise of a team of pediatric medical and nutritional experts—who also happen to be parents—in a comprehensive manual that takes the guesswork out of feeding. This first-of-its-kind guide provides practical, easy-to-follow advice to help you navigate the nutrition issues, medical conditions, and parenting concerns that accompany feeding. With recipes, parenting stories, and recommendations based on the latest pediatric guidelines, this book will allow you to approach mealtime with confidence so you can spend more time enjoying your new family. |
| allergies questions and answers: The New Allergy Solution Dr. Clifford Bassett, 2017-03-21 One of America’s top allergy doctors offers a revolutionary, full-body approach to diagnosing, preventing, and treating allergies—in many cases, for good. Millions of Americans currently suffer from allergies, and the rate is growing. Climate change, globalization, air pollution, and oversanitization of the environment in the early years of life are just a few of the causes that, taken together, have introduced new allergens into our environment that are wreaking havoc and causing needless suffering. This “new allergen marketplace” requires a new allergy solution. According to Dr. Clifford W. Bassett, traditional remedies focus on treating symptoms but leave allergy sufferers vulnerable to continued bouts of misery. Dr. Bassett argues that when we consider a person’s genetics, environment, and overall health, we can more effectively identify—and take appropriate action to forestall—symptoms before they even begin. For the first time, Dr. Bassett presents the unique, integrative approach he’s used in his Manhattan offices for two decades to vanquish allergy symptoms for countless individuals. In addition to explaining what allergy is (and isn’t) and identifying key triggers—from nuts to gluten to the nickel commonly used in cell phones—Dr. Bassett offers both medical and nonmedical alternatives to treatment, and specific, proactive steps to protect against common allergens. Allergens are here to stay, but with The New Allergy Solution, your life need no longer be ruled and ruined by allergy. The New Allergy Solution strives to enhance your well-being through strategies for a greater sense of control, giving you more freedom to do what you love. |
| allergies questions and answers: The Peanut Allergy Epidemic, Third Edition Heather Fraser, 2017-06-06 Essential reading for every parent of a child with peanut allergies—third edition with a foreword by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Why is the peanut allergy an epidemic that only seems to be found in western cultures? More than four million people in the United States alone are affected by peanut allergies, while there are few reported cases in India, a country where peanut is the primary ingredient in many baby food products. Where did this allergy come from, and does medicine play any kind of role in the phenomenon? After her own child had an anaphylactic reaction to peanut butter, historian Heather Fraser decided to discover the answers to these questions. In The Peanut Allergy Epidemic, Fraser delves into the history of this allergy, trying to understand why it largely develops in children and studying its relationship with social, medical, political, and economic factors. In an international overview of the subject, she compares the epidemic in the United States to sixteen other geographical locations; she finds that in addition to the United States in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Sweden, there is a one in fifty chance that a child, especially a male, will develop a peanut allergy. Fraser also highlights alternative medicines and explores issues of vaccine safety and other food allergies. This third edition features a foreword from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and a new chapter on promising leads for cures to peanut allergies. The Peanut Allergy Epidemic is a must read for every parent, teacher, and health professional. |
| allergies questions and answers: Drug Allergy Testing David Khan, Aleena Banerji, 2017-07-05 With a focus on improving diagnosis and treatment, Drug Allergy Testing is your new go-to resource for understanding various drug allergies and testing methods, the epidemiology of and economic impact of drug allergies, and new drug and allergy developments. - Features a wealth of up-to-date information for allergists, immunologists, and primary care physicians who diagnose and treat patients with drug allergies and hypersensitivity. - Covers the basics of drug allergy evaluation and management as well as specific drugs including antibiotics, ASA/NSAIDs, chemotherapeutic agents and monoclonal antibodies. |
| allergies questions and answers: History of Allergy K.-C. Bergmann, J. Ring, 2014-05-27 The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased dramatically over recent decades, both in terms of the number of sufferers and the number of allergies. This is a trend that has frequently been referred to as 'the epidemic of the 21st century'. As described in ancient texts, allergies have been known for over 2,000 years, but the term 'allergy' was only coined at the beginning of the 20th century when doctors began to understand their pathophysiological basis. This book presents a detailed and varied historical overview of the field of allergology. Beginning with insights on allergy from antiquity to the 20th century and the development of the associated terminology, it compiles historical reflections on the understanding of the most common allergic diseases. Important milestones in the discovery of mechanisms of allergy are described, followed by historical accounts of the detection of allergens such as pollen, dust mites, peanuts and latex, and of environmental influences such as pollution and the relationship between farmers and their environment. Several chapters illustrate the progress made in allergy management to date. Particular highlights of this book are the personal reflections of and interviews with a number of pioneers of allergy, including F. Austen, J. Bienenstock, K. Blaser, A. de Weck, A.W. Frankland, K. Ishizaka, and many more. Concluding with portrayals of allergy societies and collections, as well as being supplemented by two films, this book represents a veritable treasure trove of fascinating and richly illustrated information. Not only researchers, physicians and medical historians, but also students and even non-scientists will find History of Allergy a scientific adventure well worth reading. |
| allergies questions and answers: Pediatric Allergy Nima Rezaei, 2019-08-13 This book comprises a collection of case-based chapters, submitted by physicians and pediatricians in all specialties and meticulously refined and selected to cover the most common and important aspects of Pediatric Allergy knowledge. Commonly encountered disorders such as allergic rhinitis, food allergy, and atopic dermatitis are covered among many others. Each chapter starts with a brief of the initial presentation and lab data of the patient, followed by a series of 3-6 multiple choice questions (MCQs), leading the reader to the diagnosis and best of practice in a step-wise manner. Clinical pearls presented as practical points, and the MCQ format along with detailed answers, makes Pediatrc Allergy an essential reading material that a pediatric allergologist cannot afford to miss. |
| allergies questions and answers: Food Allergy and Intolerances , 1993 Discusses the differences between food allergies and food intolerances; allergy symptoms; common food allergies; cross reactivity; differential diagnoses; diagnosis of food allergies; exercise-induced food allergies; food allergies in infants and children; controversial issues surrounding food allergies; and treatment of food allergies. |
| allergies questions and answers: Plant Food Allergens E. N. Clare Mills, Peter R. Shewry, 2008-04-15 Plant Food Allergens is concerned with a paradox of immense, potentially life-threatening significance to about 1 in 100 adults and 1 in 10 children. The paradox is that certain nutritious proteins from wholesome foods can act as if the were harmful, sometimes deadly poisons, to these people who possess an allergy to them. In order to study the complex problems of food allergy a EU funded network, called PROTALL was set up, bringing together a wide range of clinicians and scientists. This important book is largely based on the outcome of its investigations. Written by over 30 acknowledged experts and carefully edited by Dr Clare Mills and Professor Peter Shewry, themselves well known internationally; this important work covers all major aspects of the subject. Commencing with introductory chapters, the comprehensive contents of Plant Food Allergens includes details of the major allergens including: plant lipid transfer proteins, the 2S albumin proteins, the cereal á-amylase/trypsin family, latex and plant chitinases, profilins, bet v 1-homologous allergens and plant seed globulins. The book concludes with important chapters on the assessment of the allergenicity of novel and GM foods, and the monitoring of and technological effects on allergenicity of proteins in the food industry. Plant Food Allergens is an essential purchase for a wide range of scientists and clinicians including plant and agricultural scientists, chemists, allergy specialists, food scientists and technologists, pharmacologists, physiologists and nutritionists. Libraries in all research establishments and universities researching and teaching these subjects will need copies of this important book on their shelves Dr Clare Mills is based at The Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK. Professor Peter Shewry is based at Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK. |
| allergies questions and answers: Pet Allergies Alfred J. Plechner, Martin Zucker, 1986 |
| allergies questions and answers: Food Allergies and Food Intolerance Jonathan Brostoff, Linda Gamlin, 2000 Offers a complete identification and treatment guide for food allergies and food intolerance, and suggests that food sensitivity could be the cause of some chronic, unexplained health problems. |
| allergies questions and answers: Anaphylaxis Anne K. Ellis, 2020-05-13 This book serves as a comprehensive but concise, practical, in-depth resource for practitioners who see and treat anaphylaxis. It meets the market need for a reference that relays an advanced understanding of the condition and its management. This unique reference covers management beyond the basics, including discussions around prevention of biphasic anaphylaxis, optimal post-stabilization protocols and how to work up intraoperative anaphylaxis. Additionally, various chapters delve into the practical application of equipping one’s office for the management of anaphylaxis, specifically in the setting of a reaction to a food challenge or immunotherapy injection. Anaphylaxis: A Practical Guide is an essential resource for allergists, emergency room physicians, and pediatricians, and those in training to become members of these specialties. |
| allergies questions and answers: Natural Solutions for Food Allergies and Food Intolerances Casey Adams, 2011-01 Food sensitivities, which include food allergies and food intolerances, are increasing throughout the world, especially among developed countries. What is causing this dramatic increase? Can we prevent food sensitivities? More importantly, can a person with food sensitivities do anything to alleviate them? Drawing from over a thousand peer-reviewed studies including hundreds of clinical studies, Natural Solutions for Food Allergies and Food Intolerances provides clear and proven strategies to reverse food sensitivities using inexpensive and natural methods. While there are many texts that provide clarity on how to safely avoid foods we might be sensitive to, this text cites the definitive research and practical evidence that shows health providers and their patients the means to reverse existing food sensitivities, and how to prevent them in the future. |
| allergies questions and answers: 101 Questions and Answers about Pets and People Ann Squire, 1988 Answers questions about the behavior, requirements, and physical characteristics of pets in such categories as dogs and cats, birds, fish, and pets who help people. |
| allergies questions and answers: The Allergic Pet Deva Khalsa, 2019-05-01 Dr. Deva Khalsa shares her effective, integrative approach to permanently eliminating dog allergies in this invaluable book. She shows how to strengthen your pet’s immune system without the use of surgery or pharmaceutical drugs, and presents holistic health therapies for keeping your dog as healthy as it can be. |
| allergies questions and answers: Hypoallergenic Cats Buyer's Guide. Includes All 14 Low-allergy Cat Breeds. Full of Facts & Information for People with Cat Allergies. Tim Anderson, 2015-01-17 Do you love cats, but sneeze every time you are near one? Would you like to own a cat but think you can't because you have a cat allergy? Hypoallergenic Cats is a carefully written, premium cat book, by expert pet writer Tim Anderson. Inside you will find everything you need to know about Hypoallergenic Cats and more. What is meant by non-allergenic cats (allergy free cats), and do they exist? What are hypoallergenic cats and why does cat dander cause cat allergy symptoms? Guaranteed to answer all your questions, this book is essential reading for any person with cat allergies, but would still like to own one. Includes comprehensive individual profiles of the fourteen hypoallergenic cats available, including the Siberian, Balinese, Javanese, Bengal, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, LaPerm, Oriental Shorthair, Ocicat, Burmese, Russian Blue, Color-Point Shorthair, Siamese, and Sphynx. Bonus content includes a summary of the main features and characteristics of each breed, organized for easy reading to help you quickly find your perfect hypoallergenic cat. Plus advice on fighting allergens on your cat and in your home. |
| allergies questions and answers: Fearless Feeding Jill Castle, Maryann Jacobsen, 2013-04-12 An essential guide to understanding and improving any child's eating habits This comprehensive nutrition guide gives parents the tools for encouraging kids of any age on the path to healthy eating. Pediatric nutrition experts Castle and Jacobsen simplify nutrition information, describe how children's eating habits correspond to their stage of development, provide step-by-step feeding guidance, and show parents how to relax about feeding their kids and get healthy meals on the table fast. Prepares parents by explaining what to expect at different stages of growth, whether it be picky eating, growth spurts or poor body image Helps parents work through problems such as food allergies, nutrient deficiencies and weight management, and identifying if and when they need to seek professional help Empowers parents to take a whole-family approach to feeding including maximizing their own health and well-being Offers fun, easy recipes parents can make for, and with, kids Fearless Feeding translates complicated nutrition advice into simple feeding plans for every age and stage that take the fear out of feeding kids. |
| allergies questions and answers: The Food Allergy Fix: An Integrative and Evidence-Based Approach to Food Allergen Desensitization Sakina Shikari Bajowala, 2018-06-26 Eating should be fun, not cause for fear. But for children with food allergies, the condition transforms even simple pleasures like parties and picnics into dangerous minefields. Instead of resigning themselves to a lifetime of avoidance and exclusion, food allergy sufferers can now take action and embrace the promise of desensitization therapy. In The Food Allergy Fix, board-certified allergist and immunologist Dr. Sakina Bajowala discusses how allergies can be managed through sublingual and oral immunotherapy, which retrains overactive immune systems through the precise administration of foods. Combining rich history and current scientific research, Dr. Bajowala arms parents and patients with the tools they need to begin working with a trained immunologist, while walking readers through her innovative and holistic treatment process. The incredible success of Dr. Bajowala's integrative approach proves that it is possible to live in a world free from the chains of a food allergy diagnosis. This book is the first step toward reclaiming freedom. |
Allergies - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Aug 24, 2024 · But with allergies, the immune system makes antibodies that mark a specific allergen as harmful, even though it isn't. Coming into contact with the allergen causes an …
Allergies - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
Aug 24, 2024 · Your symptoms, including any that don't seem related to allergies. Note when the symptoms began. Your family's history of allergies and asthma, including specific types of …
Allergic Diseases - Overview - Mayo Clinic
Jun 4, 2020 · To help people with a wide range of allergic diseases, allergy specialists at Mayo Clinic locations offer comprehensive treatment for asthma, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), food …
Alergias - Síntomas y causas - Mayo Clinic
Nov 7, 2024 · Los síntomas de la alergia pueden variar de leves a graves, incluso del tipo que ponen en riesgo la vida. Infórmate sobre los tratamientos y los consejos de prevención que …
Seasonal allergies: Nip them in the bud - Mayo Clinic
Feb 28, 2024 · Spring means flower buds and blooming trees — and if you're one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and …
Allergies and asthma: They often occur together - Mayo Clinic
Feb 4, 2025 · A lot, as it turns out. Many people who have allergies also have asthma. The same substances that trigger your hay fever symptoms may cause asthma symptoms. These include …
Food allergy - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Aug 30, 2024 · Food allergies are more common in children, especially toddlers and infants. As children grow older, their digestive systems mature and their bodies are less likely to react to …
COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences?
Nov 27, 2024 · Unlike COVID-19, seasonal allergies aren't caused by a virus. Seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as seasonal tree or …
Drug allergy - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Nov 9, 2024 · A history of other allergies, such as a food allergy or hay fever. A personal or family history of drug allergy. Increased exposure to a medicine because of high doses, repeated use …
Mold allergy - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Jun 21, 2021 · Having a family history of allergies. If allergies and asthma run in your family, you're more likely to develop a mold allergy. Working in an occupation that exposes you to …
Allergies - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Aug 24, 2024 · But with allergies, the immune system makes antibodies that mark a specific allergen as harmful, even though it isn't. Coming into contact with the allergen causes an …
Allergies - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
Aug 24, 2024 · Your symptoms, including any that don't seem related to allergies. Note when the symptoms began. Your family's history of allergies and asthma, including specific types of …
Allergic Diseases - Overview - Mayo Clinic
Jun 4, 2020 · To help people with a wide range of allergic diseases, allergy specialists at Mayo Clinic locations offer comprehensive treatment for asthma, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), food …
Alergias - Síntomas y causas - Mayo Clinic
Nov 7, 2024 · Los síntomas de la alergia pueden variar de leves a graves, incluso del tipo que ponen en riesgo la vida. Infórmate sobre los tratamientos y los consejos de prevención que …
Seasonal allergies: Nip them in the bud - Mayo Clinic
Feb 28, 2024 · Spring means flower buds and blooming trees — and if you're one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and …
Allergies and asthma: They often occur together - Mayo Clinic
Feb 4, 2025 · A lot, as it turns out. Many people who have allergies also have asthma. The same substances that trigger your hay fever symptoms may cause asthma symptoms. These include …
Food allergy - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Aug 30, 2024 · Food allergies are more common in children, especially toddlers and infants. As children grow older, their digestive systems mature and their bodies are less likely to react to …
COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences?
Nov 27, 2024 · Unlike COVID-19, seasonal allergies aren't caused by a virus. Seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as seasonal tree or …
Drug allergy - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Nov 9, 2024 · A history of other allergies, such as a food allergy or hay fever. A personal or family history of drug allergy. Increased exposure to a medicine because of high doses, repeated use …
Mold allergy - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Jun 21, 2021 · Having a family history of allergies. If allergies and asthma run in your family, you're more likely to develop a mold allergy. Working in an occupation that exposes you to …
